West Coast midfield must lift, says Gaff

Aug 8, 2017 - 5:32 PM West Coast ball magnet Andrew Gaff admits the midfield is to blame for the team's lack of forward supply, but he denies it's a fitness issue.

The Eagles' finals hopes are hanging by a thread following Sunday's eight-point AFL loss to St Kilda.

Forward Josh Kennedy has been in hot form this year, but he's been starved of supply in crucial moments of games.

West Coast's midfield woes have been laid bare in recent losses to St Kilda and Collingwood.

Their fadeouts in final quarters have been particularly concerning.

Against the Saints, West Coast lost contested possessions (53-22) and clearances (15-6) in the final term.

And even though the Saints had far more of the ball for the quarter, West Coast were smashed 23-11 in the tackle count.

Kennedy said he has been frustrated by the lack of supply he and his fellow forwards have received, and Gaff agreed the midfield group needs to do more.

"Of course. Without a midfield, we can't really get it forward," Gaff said.

"Every time we do get it forward to Josh and Jack (Darling) and Lecca (Mark LeCras), they're giving us a good contest and kicking goals.

"These next three weeks and finals, we need to sort things out pretty quick.

"It's not fitness (that's the issue). We think we're a pretty fit team. We're just not getting it done in big moments."

West Coast need to beat Carlton at Domain Stadium on Saturday night to keep their finals hopes alive.

They then take on GWS (away) and Adelaide (home) in a brutal finish to the season.

Source: AAP